Boylston Chess Club Championship

I have been trying to recover the historical record, which seems to have slipped into the mists...

The Boylston Chess Club has a long tradition of really competitive championship tournaments and strong club champions, who in some cases have become state or national champions as well.

The first official champion in 1919, the official founding year of the club, was H.G. Daniel. In 1921, G.H. Friberg won. I have references to early champions during the club's informal days at the YMCU. 1890 - John Barry, 1891 - Harry Nelson Pillsbury, 1892 - C.F. Burille (one of the "Adjeep" players), 1893 - Franklin K. Young, and 1894 - George H. Walcott. After 1921, we have a long gap, with good records back only to 1971. (If anyone can help fill in the gaps in the record, it would be appreciated.)

Bill Kelleher dominated the 1980s.Jacob Rasin ruled the 1990s.Paul MacIntyre is working on a hegemony in the 2000s.

Chris Chase and Alex Cherniack are both three-time champions.

FM Bill Kelleher 1987, 1984, 1983, 1981, 1980, 1979

SM Jacob Rasin 1997, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990

FM Paul MacIntyre 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000

FM Chris Chase 1998, 1994, 1990

LM Alex Cherniack 1999, 1995, 1987

Over the years, the championship has been won by very capable and interesting players.

Patrick Wolff went on to win the United States Championship twice.

Dan Harrington became a professional poker player, winning the World Championship of Poker in 1998 ($1 million), 2nd in 2004 ($1.5 million), 6th in the World Poker Tour in 2005 ($620,00), bringing his total poker winnings to $4.8 million. (Chess prize totals unknown at this time.)

Bill Robertie who in 1994 won the US Speed Chess title, emphasized backgammon over chess and won world titles in backgammon in 1983, 1987, and 1994.

For as complete a list as we have, visit the BCC Photo Gallery. And if you are not invited to the championship, play in the hauptturnier, which allows you to play in a similar format and observe the championship games.